Body Lift Surgery in Perth
Losing a significant amount of weight is a huge accomplishment, but for many people, it comes with an unexpected challenge—excess, sagging skin. A body lift can help remove loose skin, tighten underlying tissues, and restore a more contoured, toned shape. If you’re considering this procedure, it’s essential to understand what it involves, who it’s suitable for, and what to expect during recovery.
Dr Robert Owen, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Perth, is known for his expertise in body contouring procedures. With years of experience and a patient-first approach, he ensures every individual receives personalised care, from consultation to recovery.
What Is a Body Lift, and Who Is It For?
A body lift is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and reshape areas of the body that have lost elasticity due to massive weight loss, ageing, or pregnancy. The goal is not only to change appearance but also to address comfort and mobility by eliminating heavy, loose skin folds.
This procedure is most commonly performed on people who have lost a significant amount of weight and struggle with sagging skin around the abdomen, back, thighs, and buttocks. Suitable candidates should be in good health, at a stable weight for at least six months, and non-smokers, as smoking can impair healing. Emotional preparedness is an important consideration—this surgery involves a period of recovery and adjustment, and long-term outcomes are best supported by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Contact UsTypes of Body Lift Surgery - click for more information
Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
This is the most common type of body lift, targeting the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, and outer thighs. A circumferential incision is made around the waistline, allowing excess skin to be removed and the remaining tissue to be tightened. This procedure not only creates a firmer midsection but also lifts the buttocks and thighs for an overall improved shape.
Upper Body Lift
For those who experience loose skin on the upper torso, including the upper back, chest, and arms, an upper body lift may be the ideal solution. This procedure often includes an arm lift (brachioplasty) and, for women, can be combined with a breast lift to improve overall symmetry and balance.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift focuses on reshaping the legs by tightening the skin on the inner or outer thighs. This surgery is particularly beneficial for individuals who have lost a substantial amount of weight and experience chafing, discomfort, or difficulty finding clothes that fit properly.
Full Body Lift
For those with extensive skin laxity affecting multiple areas, a full body lift combines both upper and lower body procedures. Due to the complexity of this surgery, it is sometimes performed in stages to allow for a safer recovery process.
These are the different types of body lifts, and the right one for you depends on which areas of your body need contouring. Each of these procedures has its own benefits and recovery timelines, so discussing your goals with Dr Owen will help determine which approach is best suited to your body and lifestyle.
The Surgical Process: What to Expect
➔ Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before the procedure, a thorough consultation is conducted to assess your medical history, weight stability, and overall health. Dr Owen will discuss your aesthetic goals, evaluate your skin elasticity, and develop a personalised surgical plan. You will also receive pre-operative instructions, including dietary guidelines, medication adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations such as quitting smoking if applicable.
➔ During Surgery
A body lift is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes between four to eight hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. The surgeon makes incisions in strategic locations to minimise visible scarring while allowing for the best contouring results. Excess skin is removed, underlying tissues are tightened, and in some cases, liposuction may be used to refine the shape further. Once the necessary adjustments are made, the incisions are closed with sutures, and surgical dressings are applied.
➔ Immediate Post-Surgical Care
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area where your vital signs are monitored closely. You may experience grogginess, swelling, and mild discomfort, which are managed with pain relief medication. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two nights to ensure a safe recovery before being discharged with detailed aftercare instructions.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to a Body Lift
Some individuals may not be ready for surgery or may prefer less invasive options to improve skin laxity. While non-surgical treatments can’t provide the same dramatic results as a body lift, they may help in mild cases.
- Radiofrequency (RF) Skin Tightening – Stimulates collagen production to improve skin elasticity.
- Ultrasound-Based Skin Tightening – Uses targeted ultrasound waves to firm loose skin.
- Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) – Helps reduce stubborn fat pockets in small areas but does not remove excess skin.
- Laser Treatments – Improve skin tone and texture but have limited tightening effects.
While these treatments can be useful for minor improvements, surgical intervention remains the gold standard for removing excess skin after massive weight loss.
Recovery and Aftercare
The first few weeks after surgery are crucial for healing. You can expect swelling and bruising, but these will gradually subside. It’s important to follow Dr Owen’s post-operative guidelines, which may include wearing compression garments to support the healing process, keeping your incisions clean, and avoiding strenuous activities for at least six weeks.
Light movement, such as short walks, is encouraged to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, activities like heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided until Dr Owen clears you to resume them, usually after three months. Scars will fade over time, and with proper care, they become less noticeable.
Potential Risks and How to Minimise Them
Like any surgery, a body lift comes with potential risks. Common complications include bleeding, infection, and delayed wound healing. Some procedure-specific risks, such as asymmetry or temporary numbness, can occur but are minimised when performed by a highly experienced surgeon.
Choosing a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, following aftercare instructions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. If minor corrections are needed, revision procedures can be performed to refine the results further.
How to Mentally Prepare for Body Lift Surgery
A body lift is a physically demanding procedure, but mental and emotional preparation is just as important.
- Understand the Recovery Process – This is a long-term journey, and setting realistic expectations helps with patience and motivation.
- Have a Strong Support System – Arrange for help with daily tasks during the first few weeks post-surgery.
- Prepare for Emotional Changes – Some patients experience post-surgery emotional ups and downs. It’s normal, and staying in touch with your medical team can help.
- Set Post-Surgery Goals – Think about how you want to maintain your results through a balanced lifestyle.
Nutrition & Exercise Tips for Maintaining Body Lift Results
A body lift provides long-term benefits, but maintaining results requires a commitment to healthy living.
- Diet Tips for Recovery & Long-Term Maintenance:
- Focus on protein-rich foods to support healing.
- Stay hydrated to keep skin healthy and elastic.
- Avoid processed foods and excess sugar, which can lead to weight fluctuations.
- Exercise Guidelines:
- Start with light walking to aid circulation.
- Gradually reintroduce strength training (with doctor approval) to maintain muscle tone.
- Incorporate low-impact activities like yoga or swimming to support flexibility and core strength.
FAQs
Find out more about your surgical journey
Will I have visible scars?
Yes, incisions are necessary for a body lift, but they are placed strategically in areas that can be concealed by clothing. Over time, scars will fade, and treatments such as silicone gels or laser therapy can improve their appearance.
How long before I see final results?
Initial results are visible within a few weeks, but it can take up to a year for the swelling to fully subside and for scars to mature.
How much weight will I lose with a body lift?
A body lift is not a weight-loss procedure but rather a skin-tightening surgery. However, patients typically lose 2–5kg of excess skin, depending on the extent of the surgery.
When can I return to work?
Most patients can resume light desk work within two to four weeks, but physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.
Will the results last forever?
Yes, as long as you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, the results of a body lift can be long-lasting. However, natural ageing will continue, which may cause some skin laxity over time.
Can I combine a body lift with other procedures?
Yes, a body lift can be combined with other contouring procedures such as an arm lift, breast lift, or liposuction for enhanced results.
Is it safe to get pregnant after a body lift?
Yes, pregnancy after a body lift is possible, but it may impact the results, especially in the abdominal area. If you plan to have children, you may want to delay surgery.
Further Reading
Explore more about Body Lift Surgery and related topics on Dr Robert Owen’s Website:
How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon for a Body Lift
Choosing a highly qualified and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon is the most important decision when planning a body lift. Here’s what to look for:
- Board Certification – Ensure the surgeon is FRACS-certified (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons).
- Experience in Body Contouring – Ask about the surgeon’s specific experience with body lift procedures.
- Before-and-After Photos – While AHPRA restricts certain marketing images, seeing results in a private consultation can be helpful.
- Patient Reviews & Testimonials – A reputable surgeon should have positive patient feedback.
- Comfort & Communication – You should feel heard, understood, and fully informed before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
A body lift is a life-changing procedure that not only improves body contours but also enhances confidence and comfort. With the right preparation, an experienced surgeon, and proper aftercare, the results can be incredibly rewarding.
If you’re considering body lift surgery in Perth, booking a consultation with Dr Robert Owen is the best first step. With his expertise in body contouring and commitment to patient safety, he will guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome.
Ready to start your transformation? Contact Dr Robert Owen’s clinic today to schedule your consultation.
Medical References
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- ‘Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Guideline’ American Urological Association https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)-guideline[2]
- ‘Refined running suture lower body lift in massive weight loss’ Journal of Visualized Surgery https://jovs.amegroups.org/article/view/21230/html[3]
- ‘Samples of Formatted References for Authors of Journal’ National Library of Medicine https://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html[4]
- ‘The Impact of Comorbidities on Patient Outcomes in Upper Body Lift Patients’ National Center for Biotechnology Information https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9475277/[5]
- ‘Circumferential Body Lift’ Aesthetic Surgery Journal https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/19/3/244/242671?login=false[7]
- ‘Part 3: Adult Basic and Advanced Life Support: 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care’ American Heart Association Journals https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000916[8]
